Signs of fall include the whistles and the crack of the pads for football season, the changing of leaves from shades of green to brilliant color, and the rise of excitement for the Treasure Mountain Festival.
It also means an end to splashing in a swimming pool or a river, the close of summer vacation, and the winding down of yet another successful run at the Warner’s Drive-In.
This year, the theater fully implemented use of its music and theater stage alongside that of showing motion pictures. Many came out to enjoy live music and other performances, starting in May with a group of Pendleton County Middle/High School students.
In deep appreciation for the support, organizers decided this summer to put together a thank-you party for the community whose support keeps the theater going.
Present were several vendors, food sales, and live music from regionally popular bands, such as the Soda Pop Gypsies, the Jesse Milnes Band, and Steve Bailes and Raincrow. A group of cloggers also showed their traditional dancing skills.
Jared and Katie VanMeter helped out with taking the nominal entry fee. That covered the cost of putting on the event and also helps add to fundraising totals for the nonprofit organization.
Katie VanMeter shared that “I never feel more blessed than when people come and love the drive-in.” She added that the event had a steady stream of attendees all day. Since it lasted from noon to 8:30 p.m., visitors were allowed to leave and return without having to repay the entrance fee.
Kristin Dingess also helped at the entrance. She said of the reentry policy, “people don’t feel stuck. They can come in and out. Five dollars for the whole day is a good deal.”
She added that a number of cars with out-of-state plates came in to hear the music. She said, “We used any way we could to get the word out and get people here.” The Franklin Town Council member also noted that the event brought to the area a number of performers and tourists, which always benefits the tourism economy.
Vendors shared in the enthusiasm of organizers, expressing the hope that the theater will hold the event next summer. Katie VanMeter also reported that “people are already asking to see when we will do another one of these.”
